Video Games Aided My Recovery from PTSD — Believe It or Not

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You’ve heard the claims. You’ve seen the headlines. “Video games incite violence. They’re a waste of time.” For a large part of my life, I would have agreed with that perspective — not concerning violence, which has been debunked, but about the time spent gaming. After all, games like Halo seem frivolous, and Fortnite appears trivial. But following a series of traumatic events in late 2019 and early 2020, my viewpoint took a dramatic turn. In many ways, video games became my lifeline.

I wasn’t a stranger to gaming; I received my first console in kindergarten — a chunky old Nintendo. I spent countless hours playing Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, until my fingers ached and my eyes burned. In my teenage years, I gravitated towards puzzle games, and Tetris became my go-to. I also enjoyed titles like Pokémon, Kirby’s Dream Land, Mario Kart, and Sonic the Hedgehog. However, as I grew older, I gradually drifted away from gaming. Life’s responsibilities took precedence over playing, and my focus shifted from Tetris to term papers. But what’s crucial is not the past; it’s the present. Today, at 37, I find solace in video games as I navigate my PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as natural disasters, serious accidents, or violence, as described by the American Psychiatric Association. Those with PTSD often endure intense and distressing thoughts and emotions long after the event has passed. This was my reality after the devastating loss of my mother, which left me grappling with severe symptoms. I found her in a horrific state, and the aftermath shattered my mental state.

My sleep was disrupted, plagued by nightmares and insomnia. I felt immobilized, haunted by both my past and present circumstances. Emotional regulation became nearly impossible; I oscillated between anger, apathy, and overwhelming sadness. Concentration was a challenge, and I often struggled with suicidal thoughts. Then, everything changed when my partner gifted me Animal Crossing in the spring of 2020. This game provided the distraction I so desperately needed. The charming characters and my island community helped me stay grounded, lifting my mood when I needed it the most. Animal Crossing became my refuge and inspired me to engage with life again.

My experience is not isolated. A 2019 study indicated that video games can assist veterans in overcoming mental health issues, including PTSD. Another study highlighted a link between puzzle games like Tetris and trauma recovery, suggesting they could diminish intrusive thoughts following a traumatic experience. In fact, research suggests that playing Tetris soon after a trauma may ease flashbacks associated with PTSD.

While games like Animal Crossing play a significant role in my coping mechanisms, they are not my sole support. I attend weekly therapy sessions where I work through both current feelings and past traumas. Additionally, I meet with my psychiatrist regularly to monitor my mental health and adjust medications as needed. I am fortunate to have a strong support network of friends and family. However, without the timely release of Animal Crossing and my return to gaming, I doubt I would have made it through the challenging months of 2020.

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In conclusion, video games can play a significant role in mental health recovery, offering comfort and distraction during tough times. My journey illustrates how gaming can provide a vital lifeline for those dealing with trauma.

Keyphrase: Video games and PTSD recovery
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